Louis Vuitton finds its perfect match in Roland-Garros 2017

For the first time ever, Louis Vuitton has created two trophy trunks for Roland-Garros’ legendary trophies

The second Grand Slam of the year begins today with qualifying matches, and we can't wait to watch hotshots Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Angelique Kerber — unfortunately, tennis darling Roger Federer has just pulled out — serve it out at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. The only Grand Slam on clay, Roland-Garros is well-known for its difficult surface as tennis greats Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, and John McEnroe have all failed to clinch the coveted title. High-power servers struggle on this orange-clay court, as the surface slows the ball and produces a slightly higher bounce than grass or hard courts.

This year's deserving duo are in for an extra treat at the end of the two-week tournament. For the first time since the tournament started in 1891, Louis Vuitton has crafted two trophy trunks to protect the Suzanne Lenglen Cup and the Musketeer's Cup, awarded each year to the French Open women's and men's champions respectively. This marks a meaningful collaboration for two French brands internationally renowned for its know-how, excellence, art and promoting France worldwide. Fashion and sport have done it again.

"With Louis Vuitton and Roland-Garros, France is the winner, France is a source of wonder and inspiration," says Bernard Giudicelli, president of the French Tennis Federation. "The partnership between two of the best French brands is a symbol that will inspire champions during the tournament fortnight."

The stunning trophy trunks, handcrafted in Louis Vuitton's historic workshops in Asnières, are covered in the iconic Monogram canvas and feature the signature brass corners and lock. Add a lush terracotta-coloured interior to reflect the clay surface, and a "V" to represent the lines of a tennis court, and it all seems like a seamless match. Before the finals, Vik Muniz, the visual artist who created the 2017 Roland-Garros poster, will customize the two cases.

For now, it's time for three weeks of intense on-court action. Time will tell who will fly home with these prized babies.